The barrel cactus is named due to its barrel or circular shape, and commonly grow along desert areas.
This cactus had several uses by Native Americans: young flowers were boiled and eaten as cabbage, or used to make drinks; plant was used as cooking pot; and spines could be used as needles, awls and in tattooing.
Flowers may grow at the top of the plant during summer.
Lighting: Bright, direct to indirect sunlight.
Watering: Water when soil is dry. Allow water to drain out of the pot, and remove any excess from the saucer. During fall and winter, water lightly only every three to four weeks.
Best spot: Should be kept in the warmest room of the home. Close to a window where it can get direct sunlight.
Pet Friendly? No. Should be kept away due to the spines.
Child Friendly? No. The Barrel Cactus contains toxic sap that is found in the plant's ribs and can cause skin irritation.